Chinese expert consensus on topical use of timolol maleate gel for the treatment of infantile hemangioma

doi:10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.03.002

China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery ›› 2026, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (3): 211-217.doi: 10.19438/j.cjoms.2026.03.002

• Expert Consensus • Previous Articles Next Articles

Chinese expert consensus on topical use of timolol maleate gel for the treatment of infantile hemangioma

Zheng Jiawei¹, Wang Xukai², Liu Xuejian³, Jiang Chenghong⁴, Qin Zhongping⁵, Fan Xindong⁶, Li Kai⁷, Yang Yaowu⁸, Huo Ran⁹, Liu Shaohua¹⁰, Zhao Jihong¹¹, Wang Xiaoyong¹², Zhou Dekai¹³, Lei Shaorong¹⁴, Ji Yi¹⁵, Shen Gang¹⁶, Li Haibo¹⁷, Hu Fan¹⁸, Wu Haiwei¹⁹, Dong Changxian²⁰, Wang Qizhang²¹, Wang Huaijie²², Guo Xiaonan²³, Gao Yang²⁴, Gao Xibo²⁵, Guo Lei²⁶

1. Department of Oromaxillofacial Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Shanghai 200011;
2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University. Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province;
3. Department of Thyroid and Breast Gland & Hemangioma Surgery, The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shandong. Linyi 276034, Shandong Province;;
4. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fujian Medical University, Union Hospital. Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province;
5. Special Department of Hemangioma, Tumor Hospital of Linyi City. Linyi 276001, Shandong Province;
6. Department of Intervention Therapy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Shanghai 200011;
7. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Shanghai 201102;
8. Department of Head and Neck Tumor Surgery, School of Stomatology, Air Force Military Medical University. Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province;
9. Department of Aesthetic Plastic and Burn Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University. Jinan 250021, Shandong Province;
10. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University. Jinan 250012,Shandong Province;
11. Department of Oral Surgery, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University. Wuhan 430079, Hubei Province;
12. Department of Infantile Hemangioma, Shanghai Cao'an Hospital. Shanghai 201804;
13. Department of Infantile Hemangioma, Gastrointestinal and Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Chongqing 400015;
14. Department of Plastic and Esthetic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital Central South University. Changsha 410028, Hunan Province;
15. Department of Pediatric Surgery, and Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province;
16. Vascular Anomalies and Vascular Interventional Center, Capital Center For Children’s Health, Capital Medical University. Beijing 100020;;
17. Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Woman and Children's Medical Center. Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong Province;
18. Department of Pediatric Cardiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province;
19. Department of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. Jinan 250021, Shandong Province;
20. Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital. Zhengzhou 450003, Henan Province;
21. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Outpatient Clinic, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province;
22. Department of Pediatric Surgery & Vascular Anomalies, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital. Xi’an 710100, Shaanxi Province;;
23. Department of Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province;
24. Department of Hemangioma and Interventional Radiology, Hebei Children's Hospital. Shijiazhuang 050031, Hebei Province;
25. Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Children's Hospital. Tianjin 300202;
26. Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University（Jinan Children's Hospital）. Jinan 250022, Shandong Province, China

Received:2026-04-16 Revised:2026-05-10 Online:2026-05-20 Published:2026-06-04

Abstract

Abstract: Infantile hemangioma is the most common benign tumor in children, with a high incidence in the head and face. Clinically, it is classified into superficial, deep, and mixed types. In 2025, China approved the world’s first topical 0.5% timolol maleate gel for the treatment of infantile hemangioma, ending the history of no dedicated topical medication in this field. As a non-selective β-blocker, this drug promotes the transition of hemangiomas from the proliferative phase to the involuting phase through three mechanisms: vasoconstriction, anti-angiogenesis, and induction of endothelial cell apoptosis. The gel formulation prolongs drug retention at the lesion site, reduces systemic absorption and non-target diffusion risks, and is suitable for the treatment of cutaneous hemangiomas at all body sites. Based on the clinical practice of the gradual popularization and application of timolol maleate gel, this expert consensus was developed through joint discussion by many well-known Chinese experts from different specialties engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of infantile hemangioma, for clinical reference.

Key words: Infantile hemangioma, Timolol maleate gel, Expert consensus

CLC Number:

R739.8

Zheng Jiawei, Wang Xukai, Liu Xuejian, Jiang Chenghong, Qin Zhongping, Fan Xindong, Li Kai, Yang Yaowu, Huo Ran, Liu Shaohua, Zhao Jihong, Wang Xiaoyong, Zhou Dekai, Lei Shaorong, Ji Yi, Shen Gang, Li Haibo, Hu Fan, Wu Haiwei, Dong Changxian, Wang Qizhang, Wang Huaijie, Guo Xiaonan, Gao Yang, Gao Xibo, Guo Lei. Chinese expert consensus on topical use of timolol maleate gel for the treatment of infantile hemangioma[J]. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2026, 24(3): 211-217.

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Chinese expert consensus on topical use of timolol maleate gel for the treatment of infantile hemangioma

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